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Participating Frequently
February 20, 2025
Question

Automatic sub-heading lists with highlighted page heading

  • February 20, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 2500 views

Hi i'm currently working on a indesign big document, that requires a small list on every page.
The list is generated from the sub-section headings in the document. like a section table of contents.
1. Brand
  1.1 Logo
  1.2 Exclusion zone
  1.3 Colours

  1.4 Typography

We want to show the sub-headings in a list (1.1 to 1.4) on every page in the chapter.
Is there a way to have a text box which is automatically populated from the list, and even better, highlights the current sub-heading of the page?

I've tried doing a TOC, and using the paragraph style of the link, but it means i have to highlight the current page with a separate style, and it also means i have update each one individually if something changes. 
I don't know much about scripting, but am wondering if this is something indesign can do or if its something there could be a script for.

6 replies

Participating Frequently
February 28, 2025

So here is a sample document which hopefully shows what i'm talking about.
I'm hoping to automate the list in the bottom left of each page, so that it automatically updates if i add a new section to the document, and that it also senses the current list number at top left of page and applies a different style to make the text black.

Community Expert
March 3, 2025

Sorry i missed your post on this one - I can take a look later and see if we can get it done.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 24, 2025

I'm re-reading your original post and I'm not exactly sure what you want. If you are looking for chapter (only) TOCs and a book-wide TOC, you can do that with InDesign. 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
FRIdNGE
February 21, 2025

In fact, again clearly something like that:

 

 

(^/)  The Jedi

Participating Frequently
February 23, 2025

Where can i find more about this?

Community Expert
February 24, 2025

<removed by me>

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 21, 2025

Depending on how far along on your project you are in InDesign and the graphic complexity, you could look at Adobe FrameMaker. It allows mini-TOCs per chapter in addition to a book-wide TOC.

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
Participating Frequently
February 24, 2025

ok thanks for the tip i'll look into it, due to the time frame invovled it has progressed a lot in Indesign.
But would be good to know for future projects.

Robert at ID-Tasker
Legend
February 20, 2025

@gritsbrits

 

Unfortunately, you won't get it done automatically by InDesign, but yes, it can be scripted. 

 

Participating Frequently
February 21, 2025

where could i get guidance in creating this?

Community Expert
February 21, 2025

Hi @gritsbrits would it be possible to show us an example of what you need done? Then we can tell you if it's possible or not, without seeing what you have in mind it's very hard to direct you, whether it's features in InDesign or scripting option we can best you direct you then.

Community Expert
February 20, 2025

Hello - can you provide an example?

Participating Frequently
February 24, 2025

Hi Eugene, i can provide and example, it will just take me some time to knock one up, as i can't just share what i'm working on for confidential purposes. 
I'll try get around to it today.